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The Guardian Africa network brings you the best news and views from across the weben-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Tue, 20 Mar 2018 02:44:30 GMT2018-03-20T02:44:30Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Is Uganda the world's best place for refugees?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/01/is-uganda-worlds-best-place-for-refugees-south-sudan
<p>Once refugees themselves, Ugandans look to ‘return the good’ to people fleeing war in South Sudan by offering land and help</p><p>A mix of Afrobeat and South Sudanese folk music resounds over the jumbled stalls and makeshift corrugated iron shops that form the trading centre of Nyumanzi, a sprawling refugee settlement in northern Uganda.</p><p>The settlement is home to more than 20,000 men, women and children who have arrived from bordering South Sudan, the world’s newest country, where conditions have been compared to Rwanda in the run-up to the genocide. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/01/is-uganda-worlds-best-place-for-refugees-south-sudan">Continue reading...</a>UgandaAfricaWorld newsRefugeesSat, 01 Apr 2017 07:00:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/01/is-uganda-worlds-best-place-for-refugees-south-sudanPhotograph: Isaac Kasamani/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Isaac Kasamani/AFP/Getty ImagesMugume Davis Rwakaringi for Bhekisisa, part of the Guardian Africa network2017-04-01T07:00:18ZSouth Africa mining massacre victims offered £75m in damageshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/16/marikana-massacre-victims-damages-compensation-south-africa
<p>Government offers to compensate victims of 2012 police shooting at Marikana mine that left 34 workers dead</p><p>The South African government has offered to pay 1.17bn rand (£75m) in compensation to victims of a 2012 police shooting that left 34 mineworkers dead and dozens wounded.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/26/lonmin-workers-marikana-massacre-south-africa">Platinum mining firm tells massacre families: we can't afford to house you</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2016/aug/16/south-africa-four-years-on-from-the-marikana-miners-massacre-in-pictures">South Africa four years on from the Marikana mine massacre – in pictures</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/16/marikana-massacre-victims-damages-compensation-south-africa">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaWorld newsAfricaLonminBusinessMiningThu, 16 Mar 2017 09:40:37 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/16/marikana-massacre-victims-damages-compensation-south-africaPhotograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersPhotograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersAgence France-Presse in Johannesburg2017-03-16T09:40:37ZRebels with a cause: Africa's whistleblowers need urgent protectionhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/10/rebels-with-a-cause-africas-whistleblowers-need-urgent-protection
<p>A group of activists, lawyers and artists have launched a platform to help citizen watchdogs in often dangerous situations</p><p>In many African countries, the secretive and self-serving deeds of political and business elites have come to light thanks only to whistleblowers.</p><p>In Kenya, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jul/03/john-githongo-kenya-corruption-politics">former journalist John Githongo</a> exposed fraudulent military equipment deals and other swindles in a series of explosive exposures; Abdullahi Hussein secretly filmed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/jul/17/ethiopia-police-liyu-abuse-claims">human rights atrocities in Ethiopia</a>; Jean-Jacques Lumumba, a Congolese banker, shed light on serious financial embezzlement involving the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/25/joseph-kabila-congo-elections">ruling Kabila family</a>.<br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/10/rebels-with-a-cause-africas-whistleblowers-need-urgent-protection">Continue reading...</a>AfricaFreedom of informationJournalist safetyHuman rightsFreedom of speechPoliticsWorld newsGlobal developmentGovernanceFri, 10 Mar 2017 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/10/rebels-with-a-cause-africas-whistleblowers-need-urgent-protectionPhotograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianPhotograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianBaltasar Garzón and William Bourdon2017-03-10T07:00:00Z'You were supposed to die tonight': US anti-terror strategy linked to torture in Africahttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/09/you-were-supposed-to-die-tonight-us-anti-terror-strategy-linked-to-torture-in-africa
<p>Security forces funded by US are accused of human rights abuses including summary executions and disappearances</p><p>Just before his torturers pushed him out of the van, barely conscious, on to the Nairobi pavement, Abdi was told he was one of the lucky ones: “You were supposed to die tonight.”<br></p><p>The security operatives who picked him up were Kenyan, but new research from the Angaza Foundation for African Reporting suggests they are part of a US-funded counter-terrorism strategy across <a href="https://viewer.gutools.co.uk/world/africa">Africa</a> that is leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/06/british-ranch-owner-killed-by-armed-raiders-during-kenya-land-invasion">British ranch owner killed by armed raiders in Kenya</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/09/you-were-supposed-to-die-tonight-us-anti-terror-strategy-linked-to-torture-in-africa">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAfricaUS foreign policyUS newsWorld newsThu, 09 Mar 2017 07:00:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/09/you-were-supposed-to-die-tonight-us-anti-terror-strategy-linked-to-torture-in-africaPhotograph: Daniel Irungu/EPAPhotograph: Daniel Irungu/EPASimon Allison in Nairobi2017-03-09T07:00:29Z'Fake news' fuelled civil war in Burundi. Now it's being used againhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/28/burundi-fake-news-fuelled-civil-war-used-again-resident-nkurunziza
<p>Exiled journalists tell of how decades of balanced post-conflict reporting is being dismantled by President Nkurunziza</p><p>As a journalist, it is Aline’s job to report on her country and president, but she doesn’t know how to without getting killed.<br></p><p>Pierre Nkurunziza is Burundi’s fearsome, <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN15V0LP">undemocratic</a> president who stands accused of inciting ethnic tensions while dismissing any negative stories on him as lies.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/28/burundi-fake-news-fuelled-civil-war-used-again-resident-nkurunziza">Continue reading...</a>BurundiAfricaWorld newsSat, 04 Mar 2017 11:06:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/28/burundi-fake-news-fuelled-civil-war-used-again-resident-nkurunzizaPhotograph: STRINGER/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: STRINGER/AFP/Getty ImagesRossalyn Warren in Rwanda2017-03-04T11:06:14ZIn an age of autocracy, meet the dissidents speaking truth to powerhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/22/age-of-autocracy-dissidents-speaking-truth-to-power
<p>Strongmen are back in vogue, but these six people are determined to defy the despots</p><p>These are trying times. We live in an age of autocracy when strongmen (they are almost always men) abuse their power to silence their critics, use brute force to stop people championing the vulnerable and rob people of their agency in the pursuit of power.</p><p>In a world flooded with triumphant nationalist statements and declarations of war, who speaks for the other side? Who is willing to risk solitary confinement and be torn from loved ones to speak for the voiceless?</p><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQnwluch9DN/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#elsexto dibujos de Valle Grande,Combinado del Este.Cuba.</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/22/age-of-autocracy-dissidents-speaking-truth-to-power">Continue reading...</a>Freedom of speechMauritaniaProtestSlaveryIraqIranCubaTurkeyMaldivesAfricaAmericasMiddle East and North AfricaWorld newsGlobal developmentWed, 22 Feb 2017 12:14:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/22/age-of-autocracy-dissidents-speaking-truth-to-powerPhotograph: SEYLLOU/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: SEYLLOU/AFP/Getty ImagesMaeve Shearlaw in Geneva2017-02-22T12:14:46ZKenya's health system on the verge of collapse as doctors' strike grinds onhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/13/kenyas-health-system-verge-of-collapse-doctors-strike-pay-staffing-union-leaders-jail
<p>Mass walkout over reneged 2013 deal on boosting pay and staffing has left patients untreated and medical union leaders in jail</p><p>Kenya’s hospitals have almost ground to a halt, with millions facing a third month in a row without healthcare as doctors strike over low pay and poor working conditions.</p><p>The public healthcare system has long been overburdened and underfunded, but has now virtually stopped functioning after 5,000 doctors walk out in December after attempts to reach a compromise with the health ministry stalled.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/13/kenyas-health-system-verge-of-collapse-doctors-strike-pay-staffing-union-leaders-jail">Continue reading...</a>KenyaAfricaWorld newsHealthUnionsMon, 13 Feb 2017 16:47:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/13/kenyas-health-system-verge-of-collapse-doctors-strike-pay-staffing-union-leaders-jailPhotograph: Ben Curtis/APPhotograph: Ben Curtis/APJacob Kushner in Nairobi2017-02-13T16:47:58ZMeet Aisha, a former antelope hunter who now tracks Boko Haramhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/08/antelope-hunter-boko-haram-nigeria
<p>How Aisha Bakari Gombi, ‘queen hunter’ in the fight against the world’s deadliest terror group, became a heroine in north Nigeria</p><p>As seven abducted women and four children were being taken deeper into Sambisa forest, Aisha Bakari Gombi received a call. </p><p>The voice was familiar: an army commander asking her to assemble a group of hunters to track them down.</p><p>Boko Haram know me and fear me</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/08/antelope-hunter-boko-haram-nigeria">Continue reading...</a>NigeriaBoko HaramAfricaWorld newsWed, 08 Feb 2017 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/08/antelope-hunter-boko-haram-nigeriaPhotograph: Rosie CollyerPhotograph: Rosie CollyerRosie Collyer2017-02-08T07:00:00ZDevastating impact of meth in the womb exposed in South African schoolshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/02/south-africa-schoolchildren-failing-crystal-meth-pregnancy
<p>Extent of crisis becomes clear as children of women caught up in tik epidemic struggle with hyperactivity and aggression<br></p><p>Justin Summers has a mop of curly brown hair and enjoys playing marbles. Aged seven, he is on the cusp of starting his 12-year journey through South Africa’s education system.</p><p>But before he’s even started, the outlook for his education is dire. His ability to learn has been severely compromised because his mother, Agnes, used methamphetamine while pregnant with him. She is now expecting her fifth child, and is still using the narcotic.</p><p>Drug abuse is a normal thing here. It’s something they grew up with and they think it’s OK – that it is the lifestyle</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/05/from-crystal-meth-to-olympic-glory-the-recovery-and-rise-of-luvo-manyonga">From crystal meth to Olympic glory: the recovery and rise of Luvo Manyonga</a> </p><p>You can’t cure this, or treat it in the traditional sense. You’re trying to manage it as best you can</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/02/south-africa-schoolchildren-failing-crystal-meth-pregnancy">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaAfricaWorld newsDrugsEducationSocietyThu, 02 Feb 2017 09:46:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/02/south-africa-schoolchildren-failing-crystal-meth-pregnancyPhotograph: Shaun SwinglerPhotograph: Shaun SwinglerLeila Dougan for the Daily Maverick Chronicle2017-02-02T09:46:18ZSouth African scandal after nearly 100 mental health patients diehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/01/south-african-scandal-after-nearly-100-mental-health-patients-die
<p>Gauteng minister resigns after facilities found to be ‘unable to distinguish between proper care and a business opportunity’</p><p>At least 94 patients with mental health issues died after South African authorities moved themfrom hospitals to unlicensed health facilities that were likened to concentration camps, a government investigation has revealed.</p><p>Many of the deaths were due to pneumonia, dehydration and diarrhoea as the patients were hurriedly moved to 27 “poorly prepared” facilities in an apparent cost-cutting measure that showed evidence of neglect.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/16/refugees-risking-lives-to-reach-bright-lights-of-johannesburg">Refugees risking lives to reach bright lights of Johannesburg</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/01/south-african-scandal-after-nearly-100-mental-health-patients-die">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaAfricaWorld newsMental healthHealthSocietyWed, 01 Feb 2017 18:08:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/01/south-african-scandal-after-nearly-100-mental-health-patients-diePhotograph: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / Reuters/ReutersPhotograph: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / Reuters/ReutersAgence France-Presse2017-02-01T18:08:46ZIvory Coast officials refuse to explain why two gay men were jailedhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/26/ivory-coast-officials-refuse-explain-gay-men-jailed-same-sex-relationships
<p>Acitivists say if indecency law was applied it would be first known instance of it being used to jail gay people</p><p>Authorities in the Ivory Coast have refused to explain why two gay men were arrested and jailed in a country that does not criminalise same-sex acts, and is widely regarded as a beacon of tolerance for sexual minorities. </p><p>Yann, 31, and Abdoul, 19, are openly gay but deny any romantic relationship. They were arrested in October in a village in southwestern Ivory Coast, apparently for “public indecency”. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/26/ivory-coast-officials-refuse-explain-gay-men-jailed-same-sex-relationships">Continue reading...</a>Ivory CoastLGBT rightsWorld newsAfricaGlobal developmentThu, 26 Jan 2017 08:30:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/26/ivory-coast-officials-refuse-explain-gay-men-jailed-same-sex-relationshipsPhotograph: Sia Kambou/AFP/GettyPhotograph: Sia Kambou/AFP/GettyRobbie Corey-Boulet in Sassandra, Ivory Coast2017-01-26T08:30:04ZEbola, war … but just two psychiatrists to deal with a nation's traumahttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/sierra-leone-war-ebola-africa-psychiatric-care
<p>Overwhelmed counsellors and medical staff in Sierra Leone must contend with suspicion and a collapse in funding</p><p>The history of Africa’s oldest psychiatric hospital is written on the walls of its isolation units, desperate messages chiselled into the woodwork like scars. “I came here for I don’t have any money,” reads one note in a corner of the room. “People want me to run from my father’s house,” reads another. “You go nowhere,” announces a third. “Stay out.”</p><p>Since the hospital opened in the early 19th century, most Sierra Leoneans have aspired to do exactly that, avoiding this imposing building perched high on a hill above the capital, Freetown.</p><p>We do counselling, though it’s not the type of counselling they do in America or Europe</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/sierra-leone-war-ebola-africa-psychiatric-care">Continue reading...</a>Sierra LeoneMental healthAfricaHealthSocietyWorld newsDepressionAnxietyEbolaFri, 20 Jan 2017 07:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/sierra-leone-war-ebola-africa-psychiatric-carePhotograph: Simon Davis/Department for Inter/PAPhotograph: Simon Davis/Department for Inter/PARyan Lenora Brown in Freetown for Bhekisisa2017-01-20T07:00:01Z'My neighbour murdered nearly all of my family, but now we are friends'https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/12/my-neighbour-murdered-my-family-now-we-are-friends-rwanda-genocide
<p>Thanks to a pioneering reconciliation project survivors and perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide now live side by side <br></p><p>In a leafy, quiet district less than an hour’s drive from Rwanda’s capital, the calmness of the community of Mbyo belies the dark and traumatic past of its inhabitants. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jan/15/my-journey-back-to-rwanda-confronting-the-ghosts-of-the-genocide-21-years-later">My journey back to Rwanda: confronting the ghosts of the genocide 21 years later</a> </p><p>It was a tragedy for everyone, whether you were Hutu or Tutsi</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/21/rwanda-genocide-catholic-church-sorry-for-role-of-priests-and-nuns-in-killings">Rwanda genocide: Catholic church sorry for role of priests and nuns in killings</a> </p><p>I lived in sorrow for a long time. But I found that I couldn’t live like that forever</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/12/my-neighbour-murdered-my-family-now-we-are-friends-rwanda-genocide">Continue reading...</a>RwandaAfricaWorld newsWar crimesThu, 12 Jan 2017 07:30:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/12/my-neighbour-murdered-my-family-now-we-are-friends-rwanda-genocidePhotograph: Amandas OngPhotograph: Amandas OngAmandas Ong in Mbyo2017-01-12T07:30:21ZHow to fight Boko Haram? Open a schoolhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/16/cameroon-mosques-offer-free-education-girls-fight-radicalisation-boko-haram
<p>Religious leaders fearful of Islamist threat believe giving girls free weekend lessons will counter spread of militancy</p><p>As a military <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/26/cameroon-says-92-boko-haram-militants-killed-and-850-captives-freed">campaign against Boko Haram</a> continues in northern Cameroon, leaders of the country’s biggest mosques in the south are deploying another weapon to ensure that the Islamist insurgency doesn’t spread: education for girls.</p><p>Militants started to spill over the border from northern Nigeria <a href="http://genocidewatch.net/2016/04/21/nigeria-boko-haram-timeline-of-terror/">three years ago</a>, and while their attacks and recruitment drives remain <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/cameroon/tracks-boko-haram-cameroon">contained to the far north region</a>, imams in the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé, are taking no chances.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/16/cameroon-mosques-offer-free-education-girls-fight-radicalisation-boko-haram">Continue reading...</a>CameroonBoko HaramAfricaNigeriaWorld newsFri, 16 Dec 2016 07:00:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/16/cameroon-mosques-offer-free-education-girls-fight-radicalisation-boko-haramPhotograph: Thomas Petit ObradorPhotograph: Thomas Petit ObradorMaeve Shearlaw in Yaoundé2016-12-16T07:00:46ZCameroon urged to investigate deaths amid anglophone protestshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/cameroon-urged-investigate-clashes-anglophone-regions
<p>Four killed when police fire into air, as tensions rise in English-speaking areas over perceived discrimination</p><p>International organisations are calling for an investigation in Cameroon after four people were killed during unrest in the country’s English-speaking regions. </p><p>Tensions have been brewing for the past month in Cameroon’s two anglophone regions, where people say they are being treated as second-class citizens.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/cameroon-urged-investigate-clashes-anglophone-regions">Continue reading...</a>CameroonAfricaWorld newsHuman rightsProtestGovernanceTue, 13 Dec 2016 12:01:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/cameroon-urged-investigate-clashes-anglophone-regionsPhotograph: STRINGER/ReutersPhotograph: STRINGER/ReutersEyong Blaise Okie in Buea2016-12-13T12:01:57ZWhy do EU leaders still think they can engage with Eritrea's regime?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/eu-leaders-want-new-beginning-eritrea-wont-bear-fruit
<p>European officials under pressure to cut migration should have learned by now that ignoring human rights violations is unlikely to succeed</p><p>As the European parliament <a href="https://brianhayesdublin.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/hayes-to-host-eu-conference-on-the-the-future-of-eritrea/">hosts another Eritrean politician</a> in the hope of reducing the number of refugees fleeing the small African state, the fact that the regime has been found guilty of “crimes against humanity” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/un-commission-eritrea-international-criminal-court-hague">by the UN</a> has once again been overlooked.</p><p>The event, organised by Irish MEP Brian Hayes and attended by Eritrea’s minister of information, Yemane Gebremeskel, is the latest example of the EU’s attempts to tackle the refugee crisis by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/06/eu-sudan-eritrea-migration">reaching out to repressive regimes</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/10/britain-refusing-asylum-eritreans-discredited-report">Britain refusing asylum to Eritreans on back of discredited report</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/eu-leaders-want-new-beginning-eritrea-wont-bear-fruit">Continue reading...</a>EritreaEuropean UnionGermanyWikiLeaksAfricaEuropeWorld newsTue, 13 Dec 2016 08:00:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/eu-leaders-want-new-beginning-eritrea-wont-bear-fruitPhotograph: Emilio Morenatti/APPhotograph: Emilio Morenatti/APMartin Plaut2016-12-13T08:00:51ZWar crimes trial of former Ugandan child soldier Dominic Ongwen to beginhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/dec/06/dominic-ongwen-trial-begins-international-criminal-court-lords-resistance-army-uganda
<p>Ex-Lord’s Resistance Army commander to appear at international criminal court over war crimes and crimes against humanity</p><p>A former militia leader who took part in a campaign of violence across Uganda is to appear at the international criminal court for one of the most important trials in its 14-year history.</p><p>Dominic Ongwen was among the most feared leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a cult blamed for the deaths of about 100,000 people and the abduction of 60,000 children.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/nov/09/scars-body-soul-joseph-kony-bodyguard-when-the-walking-defeats-you-ledio-cakaj-book-extract">Scarred body, scarred soul: life as Joseph Kony's bodyguard –&nbsp;book extract | Ledio Cakaj</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/dec/06/dominic-ongwen-trial-begins-international-criminal-court-lords-resistance-army-uganda">Continue reading...</a>International criminal courtUgandaAfricaWorld newsJoseph KonyInternational criminal justiceLawHuman rightsTue, 06 Dec 2016 08:21:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/dec/06/dominic-ongwen-trial-begins-international-criminal-court-lords-resistance-army-ugandaPhotograph: POOL/REUTERSPhotograph: POOL/REUTERSJason Burke Africa correspondent2016-12-06T08:21:39ZA cellphone is no substitute for a midwife, African tech prodigy warnshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/06/a-cellphone-is-no-substitute-for-a-midwife-african-tech-prodigy-warns
<p>Founder of app that helps pregnant women says governments must not rely on technology to plug gaps in basic services</p><p>African governments are using technological advances as an excuse to continue neglecting systemic problems in health, education, energy and other basic services, a prominent entrepreneur has claimed.</p><p>“Over the past few years we’ve been talking a lot about leapfrogging health systems using mobile phones, but I am uncomfortable with the word because it implies that we can compromise local standards,” says Alain Nteff, founder of <a href="http://www.giftedmom.org/index.html">Gifted Mom</a>, which gives pregnant women and new mothers potentially life-saving information. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/06/a-cellphone-is-no-substitute-for-a-midwife-african-tech-prodigy-warns">Continue reading...</a>CameroonAfricaWorld newsMaternal mortalityMaternal healthTue, 06 Dec 2016 07:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/06/a-cellphone-is-no-substitute-for-a-midwife-african-tech-prodigy-warnsPhotograph: Gifted MomPhotograph: Gifted MomMaeve Shearlaw in Yaounde2016-12-06T07:00:05ZSkilled, determined and broke: Africa's female football pioneershttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/03/skilled-determined-and-broke-africas-female-football-pioneers
<p>Despite social and sporting progress, even the best teams at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations struggle to fund friendlies</p><p>Shortly after the opening ceremony of the <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/20/africa-women-cup-of-nations-cameroon-opening-ceremony-football">Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon</a>, the hosts declared that when it came to football there was “no distinction” in the support given to men and women.</p><p>Despite this goal, female players report that as in many areas of life, there is still a stark divide in opportunities, and players at the tournament say the game is suffering from neglect. Africa’s best women’s team doesn’t have enough money for friendlies, and players describe having fought patriarchy at every level to get where they are today.<br tabindex="-1"></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Suspicious looking women at the Olympics between South Africa and Brazil. <a href="https://t.co/izB5Ly7ECt">pic.twitter.com/izB5Ly7ECt</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our Super Falcons have made Nigeria proud again. The entire country looks forward to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AWCON2016?src=hash">#AWCON2016</a> Final on Saturday. <a href="https://t.co/gvmx9Etdck">pic.twitter.com/gvmx9Etdck</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/03/skilled-determined-and-broke-africas-female-football-pioneers">Continue reading...</a>CameroonAfricaWorld newsFootballSportNigeriaMaliSouth AfricaSat, 03 Dec 2016 07:00:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/03/skilled-determined-and-broke-africas-female-football-pioneersPhotograph: Andy Clark/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Andy Clark/AFP/Getty ImagesMaeve Shearlaw in Cameroon2016-12-03T07:00:15ZThe Nigerian refugees displaced by Boko Haram – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/gallery/2016/dec/02/nigerian-refugees-displaced-boko-haram-in-pictures
<p>More than 2 million people have been displaced by Boko Haram-related violence in north-east Nigeria. Judith Prat photographed the internally displaced people who are suffering in both the refugee camps – where they face food shortages and a lack of healthcare – and in the towns where they can barely scrape by</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/gallery/2016/dec/02/nigerian-refugees-displaced-boko-haram-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Working in developmentBoko HaramNigeriaAfricaWorld newsMigrationInternally displaced peopleFri, 02 Dec 2016 10:13:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/gallery/2016/dec/02/nigerian-refugees-displaced-boko-haram-in-picturesPhotograph: Judith PratPhotograph: Judith PratJudith Prat2016-12-02T10:13:01Z